Ghanaian Elections And What Matters Most

Many people interested in politics often honor the call when the opportunity presents itself. They do so by standing to be elected to serve (which I don't always believe to be true). It is always a mix of people with a mix of promises, some selfish and others selfless, jostling here and there for votes. And you cannot easily pinpoint the idiot from the "King Solomon" in many instances. You are therefore not sure if you are voting for an idiot or not.

People who are aware of the political idiocy going on often manage to set up platforms in an effort to 'weed out' these desperate ones. Some set up presidential debates at the national level while other concerned citizens in other corners of this nation manage to replicate it by setting up parliamentary debates. And it is always amazing to hear how confused some of these guys are. From contradictions to utter confusion, the story is told.

However, in places where there is no or little interest in who represents them, the electorate just moves with the flow. They care less about whoever represents them. And my hometown of Buluk is not an exception.

I once discussed an issue concerning forming pressure groups with a friend. He quickly retreated and advised that I bring the issue up no more. He feels people will brand him as a member of the opposition who is desperately trying to discredit the government. He also told me people will harass his family when they get to realize that he was part of a group standing up against the government of the day, even for the right reasons.

Buluk, therefore, has no system in place to get rid of these kinds of people. For my people, anything goes! All they are waiting for is just alcohol and some coins for the day's afternoon meal. Yes, it is that easy. No one asks about your plan for developing anything. No one dares to ask about your manifesto. No one even asks about your academic and professional background.

Those that are bold to ask are called all kinds of unprintable names. The vilification, insinuations, and 'life audit' begin at this point. Some will even question why you support commercial farming or thatch roofing. They will not take things lightly with you for challenging aspirants to produce a manifesto. Their reason? It has not been done in the past and is not part of the yardsticks for electing people in our land. It should, therefore, not be an issue in Mr. A or Madam B's time.

One would have thought the youth, who are the future leaders of this nation, will resist cheap exploitation and seek for the current trend of things to be put right. No, the youth are not interested in things they consider as being part of the "too known" basket of due diligence. They are comfortable with what they see. And it is all because of political fanaticism. Politics has become their all-day game.

It is pathetic that people who cannot afford three square meals on their own can defend politicians to the hilt because their parents or grandparents were once loyalists of a particular political grouping. What they forget, however, is that, the times have changed and what motivated their parents to have taken that decision might have changed too.

Instead of 'fighting' for these politicians to provide a conducive environment for them to create their own wealth, they prefer to have their favorite party in power with all the joblessness they are going through. They are comfortable with the five Ghana Cedis the MP, DCE, minister gives them after several months of neglect. They will sing his praises any day and insult and attack anybody who speaks against their favorite personality.